Chaise Lounge and Bench

ABSTRACT

A chaise lounge includes a first frame member, a second frame member operatively connected to the first frame member and extending substantially perpendicular to the first frame member, a plurality of support members operatively connected to the first and second frame members, and an adjustable foot member positioned on each corner of the first frame member. Furthermore, a bench includes at least two frame members, the frame members each comprising a horizontal portion, a plurality of first support members operatively connected to the horizontal portion, and a plurality of second support members operatively connected to a remaining portion of the frame members positioned above the horizontal portions, wherein the remaining portion has an outwardly curved profile.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/574,404 filed Oct. 19, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/574,377 filed Oct. 19, 2017. The disclosure of each of these documents is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is directed to a chaise lounge chair and to a bench.

Description of Related Art

Several different types and configurations of chaise lounges are currently offered today. A typical chaise lounge is in the form of an elongated chair that allows an individual to rest his/her legs thereon. A chaise lounge is often considered a long reclining chair that permits the individual to rest his/her back against a back of the chaise lounge and rest his/her legs on an extended segment of the chaise lounge that extends perpendicular to the back of the chaise lounge. The back of the chaise lounge may be adjustable to adjust the angle of inclination of the back segment according to the desired sitting position of the individual.

Additionally, benches are typically pieces of furniture that provide an extended seat on which multiple persons may sit at the same time. Benches are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, but may also be made of stone or other synthetic materials. Many benches have arm and back rests. A variety of different types of benches are currently available to the public, including park benches, garden benches, picnic table benches, scenic benches, perch benches, and storage benches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one example of the present disclosure, a chaise lounge including a first frame member, a second frame member operatively connected to the first frame member and extending substantially perpendicular to the first frame member, a plurality of support members operatively connected to the first and second frame members, and an adjustable foot member positioned on each corner of the first frame member.

In another example of the present disclosure, a bench including at least two frame members, the frame members each including a horizontal portion, a plurality of first support members operatively connected to the horizontal portion, and a plurality of second support members operatively connected to a remaining portion of the frame members positioned above the horizontal portions, wherein the remaining portion has an outwardly curved profile.

These and other features and characteristics of the chaise lounge will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. As used in the specification and claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chaise lounge in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a side view from the left side of the chaise lounge illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a side view from the right side of the chaise lounge illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bench in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the bench;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the bench;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the bench;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the bench;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the bench looking from the left side in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 14 is a side view of the bench looking from the right side in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific systems and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary examples of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the present disclosure is generally directed to a chaise lounge 2. The chaise lounge 2 includes a frame 4 and a plurality of support members 6 operatively connected to the frame 4. The frame 4 includes a substantially horizontal frame member 8 and a substantially vertical frame member 10. The frame member 10 may extend substantially perpendicular to the frame member 8. It is also contemplated that the frame member 10 may extend at different angles relative to the frame member 8 or may be adjustable so as to vary the angle at which the frame member 10 is angled relative to the frame member 8. In one example, the frame members 8, 10 are integrally formed together as a monolithic structure. In another example, the frame members 8, 10 may be separate pieces that are operatively connected to one another. Each frame member 8, 10 may have a curved profile. In one example, the frame members 8, 10 may have corresponding curved profiles to accommodate an individual resting on the chaise lounge 2.

The plurality of support members 6 are provided in the chaise lounge 2 to support an individual while resting on the chaise lounge 2. The support members 6 extend across a cavity defined by the frame 4. In one example, the support members 6 are wooden slats that are connected to the frame members 8, 10. The wooden slats provide rigidity to the support members 6 to allow an individual rest on the chaise lounge 2. It is also contemplated that support members other than wooden slats, such as nylon or plastic supports, may be used instead. The support members 6 are operatively connected to the frame members 8, 10 via fasteners. However, it is contemplated that the support members 6 may be operatively connected to the frame members 8, 10 using any connection method that securing connects the support members 6 to the frame members 8, 10. A rear portion of the frame member 8 also includes a plurality of support members 12. This arrangement of support members 12 is designed and configured to provide a storage surface for an individual resting on the chaise lounge 2. The individual can store items, such as beverages, containers, books, cell phones, tablets, and any other small objects, on the support members 12. By positioning the support members 12 underneath the support members 6 of the frame member 10, the support members 6 block sunlight from directly shining on the items resting on the support members 12. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7, the chaise lounge 2 may also include an adjustable foot member 14 on each corner of the frame member 8. The foot members 14 may be vertically adjustable to adjust the height of each corner of the frame member 8. Some surfaces upon which the chaise lounge 2 rests may be uneven, so the individual can vertically adjust each foot member 14 until the chaise lounge 2 rests level on the uneven surface.

With reference to FIGS. 8-14, the present disclosure is generally directed to a bench 102. The bench 102 is configured to permit a number of persons to sit thereon at the same time. The bench 102 may be formed as a single monolithic structure. In another example, each of the elements of the bench 102 may be operatively connected to one another to form the bench 102. The bench 102 may be made of metal. In other examples, the bench 102 may be made of wood, stone, or plastic. The bench 102 includes a plurality of frame members 104 that extend vertically relative to a surface that supports the bench 102. In one example of the present disclosure, the bench 102 includes three frame members 104. In another example of the present disclosure, the bench 102 may include two frame members 104. The frame members 104 may be connected to a surface, such as a walking surface, using fasteners, adhesives, or any other connection method that adequately secures the frame members 104 to the surface. In one example, the bottom end of each frame member 104 may include a mounting plate 106 to assist in securing the bench 102 to the surface. Fasteners may extend through the mounting plates 106 and into the surface to secure the mounting plates 106 to the surface.

Each frame member 104 includes a horizontal portion 108 that extends from the frame member 104. The horizontal portion 108 extends substantially parallel to the surface upon which the bench 102 rests. In one example, a plurality of support members 110 may be operatively connected to the top surface of each horizontal portion 108. The support members 110 may be welded, fastened, or adhesively connected to the horizontal portions 108. The support members 110 are configured to provide a surface upon which individuals can sit on the bench 102. In another example, one support member extending the entire length of the horizontal portions 108 may be used in place of the plurality of support members 110.

A plurality of additional support members 112 may be connected to the portion of the frame members 104 that extend above the horizontal portion 108. The plurality of support members 112 may be spaced from one another from the horizontal portion 108 to the top edge of the frame members 104. In another example, a single support member may replace the plurality of support members 112. The support members 112 are configured to provide a surface upon which an individual can lean against while sitting on the bench 102. The support members 112 may be welded, fastened, or adhesively connected to the frame members 104. In one example, the upper portion of the frame members 104 may have an outwardly curved profile so that the plurality of support members 112 attached to the frame members 104 create a curved profile for the individual to lean against.

While several examples of the chaise lounge are shown in the accompanying figures and described in detail hereinabove, other aspects will be apparent to, and readily made by, those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. All changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A chaise lounge, comprising: a first frame member; a second frame member operatively connected to the first frame member and extending substantially perpendicular to the first frame member; a plurality of support members operatively connected to the first and second frame members; and an adjustable foot member positioned on each corner of the first frame member.
 2. A bench, comprising: at least two frame members, the frame members each comprising a horizontal portion; a plurality of first support members operatively connected to the horizontal portion; and a plurality of second support members operatively connected to a remaining portion of the frame members positioned above the horizontal portions, wherein the remaining portion has an outwardly curved profile. 